25 weeks pregnant

By the time you are 25 weeks pregnant, you need to know all about the risk factors involved. Technically, according to the pregnancy due date calculator, there are still 15 weeks until the due date, as the baby is generally born between 38-42 weeks of pregnancy.

However, it is during this time that many women encounter pregnancy complications like premature pregnancy and preterm labor.

The visits to the doctor are increasing in number and you should respect the schedule your doctor sets for you.

It is normal to feel heavy and less mobile, and especially because you feel this way it is recommended to avoid rough physical contacts or extremely tiresome activities.

There are 2 reasons for this: you shed much less hair than you usually do, and your hormones step up their ability to grow more body hair.

However, this condition is no cause of concern, as all the hairiness will come back with a normal routine once you deliver your baby

Pregnancy itching

You will feel more itchiness in your abdominal area. If you are not allergic to olive oil or cocoa butter, then you can massage the belly area with these.

If you feel continuously itchy, it is better to consult your health care provider, as you could be suffering from “PUPP” (pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy). This skin issue is a very common condition and is rarely associated with a severe liver condition.

Weight gain causes issues

At this stage, you will probably gain more than 15 pounds in weight. The growing uterus puts pressure on your back and pelvis and it can lead to periodic shooting pains in your lower back and legs. Try to practice good posture to get relief from back fatigue. If you find yourself in this condition, take rest, alter your position, take a warm bath or apply ice to the sore areas.

What else to expect?

You should remember the Kegel exercises and try to practice them as training for the future delivery.

When you are 25 weeks pregnant you can experience the “dry eyes” sensation which is perfectly normal for this period and which can be fixed with the help of artificial tears.

Gestational diabetes and premature birth

The period between 24-28 weeks is the best time for undergoing a glucose screening test to confirm whether you have gestational diabetes or not. This condition increases the chances of giving birth to your baby through the cesarean section.

In case he or she suspects that there is a predisposition for premature birth in 25th week of pregnancy, your doctor will give you a pelvic exam to examine the cervix. Also you may have to answer some questions regarding post partum care, so that your doctor may recommend you a pediatrician.

Pregnancy sciatica

Some pregnant women experience a condition called sciatica. This condition occurs when the baby’s head presses against the pelvic bones, thus causing the nerves in the lower back and legs to be compressed. Some women also experience numbness or tingling in the legs.

Avoid lifting heavy objects; if you do need to lift, make sure that you bend the knees.

Avoid participating in activities that worsen your pain.

Try and get as much sleep as possible.

Keep yourself hydrated.

Changes that occur in the fetus when you are 25 weeks pregnant

During pregnancy 25 weeks, your baby’s physical proportions even out and the major remaining development will be weight gain and the development of central nervous system.

Gaining weight and preparing for the outside world

Your 25 week fetus begins to put on a little meat, which will continue to fill out as your pregnancy progresses. The baby’s body starts building fat; so the skin starts to stretch beginning with the 25th week. The baby’s head and feet are about to rotate slowly so that the head is located towards the birth canal.

The structure of the spine begins to develop with 33 rings, 150 joints and 1000 ligaments. The nervous terminations in the limbs start to develop fast starting with this week.

Primary breathing

From this week onwards, the respiratory system of your baby gets stronger. The baby tries to breathe and he/she tries to inhale and exhale the amniotic fluid.

Your baby’s nostrils also begin to open during this week and by this week, the blood vessels in your baby’s lungs are well-developed. Your baby starts breathing movements, but still there is no air in the lungs.

Facial expressions

The face starts to move and the baby makes different expressions which can be visible through 25 weeks pregnant ultrasound scan.

Diet tips for pregnancy week 25

Regular prenatal care is very important for the healthy growth of your baby. Getting regular exercise and a well-planned diet are the essential things that you need to take care of. Be very careful about every step you take in your everyday life throughout the pregnancy period.

The risk of gestational diabetes can be minimized with a tight control on the carbohydrates consumed during pregnancy. In case your doctor suspects that you are predisposed to have this condition, he or she will ask you to change your diet.

As a future mother you may want to find out everything there is to know about preparing for pregnancy. Here you can learn the most useful information about getting pregnant, what you should know about ovulation, conception and fertilization but also tips and advice on how to get pregnant.